Construction of the Three Gorges Dam began in 1994 and was completed in 2012. It has provided numerous economic benefits, but it has also faced significant criticism for its environmental impact.
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, situated on the Yangtze River, the longest river in China. The dam is located between Yichang (Hubei Province) and Fuling (Chongqing). This area is characterized by treacherous curves but has an abundant supply of water year-round. (Image: SentinelHub).
The dam was constructed for three primary purposes: flood control, clean energy production, and improving waterway transportation. Construction started in 1994, and the dam began operating all its functions in July 2012. The Three Gorges Reservoir began filling in June 2003, with a total capacity of approximately 39.3 km3 and a normal water level of 175 meters above sea level, which is 110 meters higher than the downstream water level. (Image: Britannica).
The main wall of the Three Gorges Dam was completed in 2006, with a length of 2,355 meters and a height of 185 meters above sea level. According to Ibiblio, the project used approximately 27 million cubic meters of concrete and 463,000 tons of steel (enough steel to build 63 Eiffel Towers). (Image: Britannica).
With a reservoir capacity of 39.3 km3, the dam is expected to reduce the flood frequency from 1 in 10 years to 1 in 100 years. However, according to Probe International, the Three Gorges Dam is gradually losing its flood control function due to the loss of forest ecosystems in the river basin and because the dam retains approximately 530 million tons of silt per year, significantly reducing the reservoir’s capacity. At 2 PM on July 2, the Three Gorges Dam was forced to open three gates to release floodwaters due to prolonged rain, with a maximum flow of 53,000 m3/s. (Image: Britannica).
The Three Gorges Dam is also the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. Its 34 turbines can generate 22.5 million kilowatts of electricity. The main turbines weigh about 6,000 tons each and are products of several leading technology joint ventures, including Alstom, ABB Group, General Electric, and Siemens. Most turbines have water or air cooling systems, making them more efficient and easier to maintain. (Image: Pinterest).
To the right of the Three Gorges Dam is a dedicated passageway for various types of vessels. The structure acts as a “five-tier staircase”, using hydraulic systems to lower or raise vessels traversing the Yangtze River. It is estimated that around 130 vessels pass through the dam each day. (Image: Pinterest).
The Three Gorges Dam also features a “ship lift” designed for smaller vessels or emergency transport needs. Known as “the ship lift”, this facility can elevate a 3,000-ton ship with a total capacity of 15,500 tons in just 10 minutes. (Image: SKF).
While the Three Gorges Dam provides significant economic benefits, such as clean electricity and improved waterway transportation, it has also faced considerable criticism. The rising water levels in the reservoir forced 1.3 million residents to relocate, and over 1,600 businesses and mining operations ceased activity. In 2019, a distorted image of the Three Gorges Dam affected by flooding raised many concerns about the risk of dam failure; subsequently, the Chinese government denied these claims, asserting that “There is no problem at all.” (Image: Dailymail).
